Sweet Vidalia by Lisa Sandlin is a poignant, life-affirming novel that delves into the complexities of marriage, self-discovery, and the power of personal dignity. Set in 1964, it tells the story of Eliza Kratke, a fifty-seven-year-old woman who, after the sudden death of her husband, is forced to rebuild her life from the ground up. What initially seems like a comfortable, settled existence unravels when Eliza learns that her marriage was built on lies, leaving her to grapple with the overwhelming task of reconstructing her identity.

Sandlin masterfully portrays Eliza’s evolution as she picks up the pieces of her shattered world. With remarkable resilience, she decides to take business classes and starts a new chapter by moving into the eclectic Sweet Vidalia hotel, surrounded by young, ambitious people. Here, Eliza finds new friendships, fresh opportunities, and an unexpected sense of independence. But as she embraces this new life, she realizes that escaping the past is more complicated than she anticipated.

The novel excels in capturing Eliza’s quiet strength and determination, making her journey of self-reliance and discovery deeply compelling. Sandlin’s writing is both tender and insightful, exploring themes of honesty, reinvention, and the difficulty of confronting long-buried truths. For readers who enjoy character-driven stories with rich emotional depth, Sweet Vidalia offers a heartfelt reflection on what it means to start over and find one’s own path after loss.

Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Strout, Paulette Jiles, and Anne Tyler, Sweet Vidalia is a beautifully written exploration of resilience, personal growth, and the courage it takes to face the truth—no matter how painful it may be.

As a Georgia native, the title of this book is what first caught my attention. A closer look showed that it has nothing to do with the town in Georgia, but rather is set in a small town in Texas. But reading the synopsis still attracted me to it and I'm glad I didn't let that initial assumption keep me from reading this story of hope and resilience.
Set in Texas in the 1960s, Eliza's life is turned upside down. Not only does her husband die unexpectedly, as she begins to the process of settling his affairs she realizes the magnitude and results of lies and deceit of the last few years of his life. Forced to create a new life for herself at the age of 57, she relies on her creativity, practicality and upbringing to get back on her feet. She takes some business classes and meets a new group of friends. She slowly forges a new life for herself at a time when that isn't easy for a woman. It takes me back to that time in my own life (although I would've been one of Eliza's kids at that time), and Eliza reminded me of my own mother in some ways. I enjoyed the story, the characters, and Eliza's progression. The audiobook was nicely narrated by Janet Metzger - it felt just right for the story and the character.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.

This was not what I expected it to be at all. I'm not really sure what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. From the beginning I was sucked right in and couldn't stop for fear of missing out on what happened next. As the story grew, I began to love Eliza and admired her strength and tenacity for overcoming her misfortune. Not only was Eliza easy to love, but also the other occupants of Sweet Vidalia Inn. My only dislike of the story was how Eliza was portrayed. I kept thinking the was a elderly woman in her 80s with all her health issues and arthritic hands only to remember she was just 57. I know everyone doesn't age the same but I think her issues were just a bit dramatic for her being middle aged. The narration was such a treat and a perfect match for this story, making it that much more enjoyable. Both the author and narrator were new to me and I am looking forward to experiencing more from both.
Thank you NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Little, Brown & Company for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy!

I really loved “Sweet Vidalia” by Lisa Sandlin and narrated by Janet Metzger. It’s a “feel good” novel that shows the resilience of a woman who is a lot stronger than she thinks she is when her entire life is turned upside down and inside out.

The story begins in 1964 when Eliza Kratke’s husband suddenly dies, leaving her not only penniless but also in shock because of the secret life he had been living. Eliza has hit rock bottom—but then she manages to pull herself up through her own wits and tenacity. In 1964, that would have been a very difficult thing to do, but with the help of new friends and neighbors, she manages.

Many thanks to Net Galley and to the publisher for an ARC of this wonderful novel. I would definitely read more by Lisa Sandlin if I have the chance. My opinions are my own.

This book was not what I was expecting, but it was definitely something that kept me reading! The Book follows Eliza Kratke, who finds out after her husbands death that her life is based on lies by her. Based in 1964 when things were so different for women. She finds strength in herself, doing what she has to in order to survive. Going back to school, meeting young people at both the Sweet Vidalia Residence Inn, that she temporarily decides to live and meets people at the business college she goes to. Eliza proves that she has a strong backbone and also acts compassionately with characters that need it. I thought it was a little slow at time but it was definitely worth reading!

Eliza is a middle-aged homemaker with 2 grown children, married to Robert, who works for the railroad. Robert is often away on long trips, but that doesn't seem to bother her too much. Then one day Robert collapses and dies, and suddenly there's another women involved -- seems that Robert had another wife, which may be ther reason he always was taking long assignments. Eliza suffers for a while, then realizes she has to do something in order to survive. Lots of emotions from all involved, but eventually Eliza prevails and by the end of the story has really come into her own. The story takes place in 1960's Texas, and is a reminder of how far women have come in running their own lives.

The narrator for the story was very good; thanks to her and NetGalley for this book.

I enjoyed this book and the main character Eliza for most of the book. I was quickly invested in her story and her life after her husband suddenly passed away and then the revelation of his double life. Eliza demonstrated she was a strong woman and the adversity she faced due to her husband's betrayal, did not destroy her. She found her footing and picked up her life, one step at a time. Once all the chaos created by the death of her husband was resolved, I felt the story slowed down, and then boom, it was over. I wish the momentum could have been continued through the whole story.

The writing was very good and flowed well, the narration was equally good. I will definitely recommend this book to friends looking for an easy light read.

Thank you to Hachette Audio, Little, Brown & Company via NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this audiobook.

I loved the audio version of this book and the narrator did a wonderful job! I thoroughly enjoyed the story and Eliza was a character that won my heart! She was faced with so much tragedy but was able to make a good life out of it all. This book was a roller coaster of emotions showing Eliza on a journey of self discovery. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read more from the author. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a sad book about a sad time for a sad lady. I liked her. I liked a couple of the supporting characters. I disliked her children. The story may be important for the young women today who don't realize how just a short time ago their lives would have been vastly different. I t might give them an appreciation of what they have to lose.

What a surprise!!
Sweet Vidalia is a sweet story about a sweet woman facing times of trouble, falling apart, breaking down, and then re-making herself into a wonderful Beacon Of Hope and Light to all those around her and all those lives she touched!

Not at all what I was expecting, and yet, such a beautiful and well put together story!!

***** RELEASE DATE IS 12/3/24!! *****

Eliza is living the perfect life. She has a wonderful husband, and terrific kids too! And then one day, her ENTIRE LIFE changes. And…there’s nothing she can do about it.

Just when she thinks things cannot possibly get any worse, a man comes to repossess her car. And…she finally breaks…AND…wakes up.
This is NOT her. She is NOT going to fall apart. She WILL get through this.

And so, we follow her on her journey to re-make herself…and build herself up…from the very bottom.

We are in 1960’s Texas, and Eliza re-evaluates her life and what she is capable of…and surprises herself with what she can actually do. And, what a delight it is!

I’m stopping here, but if you are up for a feel-good, pick-yourself-up, confidence-building story…well, look no further! This. Is. It!!!

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

#SweetVidalia by #LisaSandlin and narrated beautifully by #JanetMetzger.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #HachetteAudio and #LittleBrownAndCompany for an ARC of the audiobook which is DUE TO BE RELEASED in about a week, on 12/3/24!! Please LOOK 👀 FOR IT THEN!!

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What a surprise! I really enjoyed this audio book. Such a feel good story. I loved all the characters and the motel became a character. I love coming of age stories. This one happens to a woman in her 50’s. It’s never too late to reinvent yourself. I can’t wait to hand sell this book at our store.

Sweet Vidalia by Lisa Sandlin is a story set in Texas during the 1960's. The female protagonist, Eliza, must adjust to changing circumstances after the unexpected death of her husband.

I listened to the audiobook and thought the narration by Janet Metzger was an excellent fit for the characters. Metzger's voice and pacing embraced the story in a seamless way. New chapters were introduced in a clear and easy to follow fashion. Great job!

Sweet Vidalia is a good book for fans of historical fiction with a female protagonist. As a middle-aged woman, I appreciated reading a story about a women near my age, and how she faced the struggles surfacing in her life. Overall, the book has a lot of promise. At times, however, I felt the writing was over-descriptive, which was a distraction and a bit laborious to hear. Audience engagement seemed to improve for me when the story more concisely balanced description with plot progression.

Overall, I would rate this book a 3.5--rounded up to 4. Readers that appreciate a relatively mellow plot will find comfort in Sweet Vidalia and its lessons in resilience.

Sweet Vidalia is set in the 1960's in Texas with Eliza losing her husband but there is so much more she will have to overcome. I enjoyed this novel as it falls into a new category of books I have been reading; historical fiction with strong female main characters who do not fit the mold of their time. They are trail blazers who do not accept society's expectations of them. Although, the story is slower paced, the beginning of the story sets the stage and kept me engaged. I would give this 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thank you Net Galley, Lisa Sandlin and Hachette Audio for the opportunity to preview this audiobook. The opinions shared are my own.

Sweet Vidalia is expected to be released Dec. 3 just in time for the holidays.

Wow, wow, and wow. The first was so heart-wrenching. The rest was a testament of strength and will. What a beautifully written story of an invisible life. Well done.

Texas 1964- Eliza sits stunned at her husbands funeral with her two adult children. Robert died suddenly , leading to a lot of secrets he had hidden being unveiled in rapid succession.
At 57, Eliza becomes aware the life she was living is no longer possible and she has to start over completely. With no real job experience or qualifications, no money, her children living their own lives , Eliza has to find a new path.

This was a pleasant read. All the shocking revelations take place at the beginning of the book and although I didn’t yet know or care for the characters, I was immediately drawn into the book. In fact the strongest part of the whole book , for me, was when Eliza is driving her dying husband to the hospital in the opening chapter. When all is revealed and the book switches to Eliza starting over in life , the plot and pacing slows right down and meanders along as we follow Eliza moving to a hotel, starting classes and meeting people along the way.
She’s a good character, I was invested in her story and enjoyed reading her about her efforts to find her new path in life. A non taxing , gentle read.
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed the narration, the narrators accent and tone matched the pace of the novel, beautifully.

Eliza is rushing her husband to hospital with a suspected heart attack and is stopped by the police for going too fast. In the confusion that follows, Robert dies. This is the start of Eliza’s problems. She finds out he hasn’t been doing extra shifts at work but has another wife and has been living a double life.
Eliza has her two grown up children, their home and dog. But suddenly her world is turned upside down, Robert took out a mortgage on the house to buy a house for his new wife, Eliza doesn’t want to inflict herself of her children, so she moves into Sweet Vidalia - a motel. She sells many of her possessions and starts to rebuild her life, including going back to studying and learning bookkeeping.
Quite a sad story, but shows hope and resilience in the face of tragedy.
Well read, easy to listen to.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Janet Metzger does a great job narrating this story. I highly recommend the audiobook!

Its 1964 in Texas and Eliza's husband has just died from a heart attack. Despite the sudden loss, Eliza is further devastated to learn that her husband is a bigamist. Navigating her new life, Eliza learns very quickly how to adjust and survive. A large part of that is her life at her new home, the Sweet Vidalia Motel where Eliza starts over and rediscovers who she is.

Overall, this is a well written domestic drama about a woman worn down by life and how she survives. I did enjoy this story and admired Eliza's strength. Definitely an enjoyable read!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!!

What a great book!! It had me hooked from page one! I couldn’t put this down. I finished it in one sitting. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. This was a first for me by this author but it will not be my last!!

I really enjoyed “Sweet Vidalia” by Lisa Sandlin. This is a haunting and thought-provoking novel about a woman who has to suddenly reinvent her life in 1960s Texas; this will stay with me a long time. I appreciated the themes of redemption and reinvention as well as the main character Eliza’s ability to meet others where they are at. She is a resilient and quietly fierce character. Parts of the book are laugh-out-loud funny as well. I can understand the comparison of the writer to Elizabeth Strout and Anne Tyler. However, I didn’t understand why some characters disappeared without their storylines being resolved. Overall, I really enjoyed the book. Great narration by Janet Metzger which also really fit with the main character. Thanks to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the eARC.

Sweet Vidalia by Lisa Sandlin
This is a novel of strength and resilience.
Eliza is my hero!
In 1964, Eliza loses more than she ever imagined when her husband dies suddenly. In the pit of complete despair, Eliza finds deceit and lies. Her whole world is upended in ways she never imagined.
As Eliza struggles to rise from the wreckage that her life has become, she rebuilds herself, taking classes and finding a new direction on her own. She discovers friends all around her and faces things where most people would have given up. She is a force of courage and kindness. This was an awesome story!
The narrator, Janet Metzger, did an awesome job in bringing Eliza to life using her voice. It was just so real with her tone of voice and connection with the characters.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the opportunity to review this audiobook.
4/5⭐️